Festival Crashers super-fan Hodge can always be counted on for new music advise. Who knew the guy could write? He absolutely murdered this Pitchfork Top-5 preview. He didn’t even cover any of my top-5 shows.

Festival Crashers is sending Laura and Andy to the fest, but Hodge will be chiming in with his two cents on Twitter and, if we’re lucky, some reviews. Even if you haven’t heard of these bands, I’d be surprised if you don’t read the whole damn thing. Otherwise, how will you be able to wax poetic to the hipster next to you at the fest?

5. Blitzen Trapper – If you only know Blitzen Trapper because of the breakout single “Furr” off their latest album of the same name, it would be easy to just peg them as a talented folk band. They’re far more than just harmonicas, acoustic guitars, and beards, though. Songs like Furr’s “War on Machines” and “Devils a Go-Go” off the critically acclaimed Wild Mountain Nation are true rock songs.

It’s amazing how a group can go from an acoustic campfire song to a full-on psychedelic rock tune in the same set without missing a beat. Well, maybe not amazing, but it’s something to be seen. Blitzen Trapper will provide great musicianship and variety during their Sunday afternoon set. Saddle up, put on your shades, grab a beer and enjoy.

4. Matt & Kim (Saturday 7:30) – I was listening to Matt & Kim in my car the other day and my buddy Ben goes, “oh there’s that band from the Bacardi commercial.” Ben was politely, but firmly, asked to exit my vehicle. Please do not label Matt & Kim as “that band from the commercial.” They deserve so much more.

I was first turned on to the Brooklyn duo late last summer when someone sent me the video for “Daylight.” I was instantly hooked and was relieved when Grand was released to find that the rest of the album was just as infectious. Grand gets you going and keeps you moving from start to finish. I expect nothing less from their live show.

3. Fucked Up (Saturday 2:30) – I love the fact that Pitchfork had the balls to put this Canadian hardcore group on the bill. From what I’ve read, a Fucked Up live show is, well, fucked up. When The Chemistry of Common Life was released last fall, nearly every publication gave it rave reviews, astonishing for a band with their sound. It’s hard not be curious about what it’s like to see and hear them live.

I’ve been to many hardcore shows before, but with Fucked Up, I have no idea what to expect. This is a band that has collaborated onstage with people like Nelly Furtado, David Cross, Shenae Grimes from 90210, and Ezra Koenig. Oh, and did I mention that their lead singer is a bald headed, 300 pound behemoth named Pink Eye who stalks the stage shirtless?! What else can you say? It’s Fucked Up.

2. M83 (Sunday 6:15 Aluminum Stage) – This electro-pop duo from France released the amazing Saturdays=Youth all the way back in April, 2008 and I still haven’t stopped listening to it. It’s hard to explain what’s so great about it. It’s not overly dance-y, not too happy, and not too sad. It just puts you in that mood, whatever that mood may be.

It makes sense that M83 named themselves after a distant galaxy, because when listening to them, I feel as if I’m lost in space. I float along to standout tracks like “Kim & Jessie” and “Graveyard Girl” and find myself dreaming, even though I’m wide awake. That to me is what’s great about a festival, being able to escape reality, even for just a day. Come get lost with me.

1. Wavves – (Saturday 5:30) This San Diego surf-punk band has been making a lot of waves lately (see what I did there? I’m so clever). Too bad the band’s amazing album Wavvves has been overshadowed by their front man’s backstage and onstage antics. You might have heard about what went down earlier this summer at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound Festival. Front man Nathan Williams had been drinking all day, when he decided to take a healthy cocktail of Ecstasy, Valium, and Xanax. He got onstage and started harassing the crowd and picked a fight with his drummer Ryan, who stormed off stage.

The next day the European tour was cancelled, and the rumors started. I can’t wait to see this show. I can already feel the tension that will be buzzing in the crowd before the band plays its first note. Will he be doing blow onstage? Swigging from a bottle of wine? Will Nathan and Ryan finally duke it out? What will he say? What will he do?

I guess we’ll just have to wait and see. Although Wavves has a reputation that rivals Pete Doherty’s, I have a feeling that the most disappointing part of their set will be when it goes off without a hitch. See you guys this weekend.